Lindeman Engineering in Campbell CA. used to be able to hone, hard anodized, and polish the sliders of the older forks. From wht I remember the "sticktion" was greatly reduced. They would also do their magic on the damping rod.
His forks regularly win at the national level... and personally, Lindeman modified forks that I have on my 03 GSXR1000 have transformed the bike, and now I smile every time I ride it. I was so frustrated with the front end before, that I was going to get rid of the bike.
Guys, I'm envious.... wish i had that kind of service in italy.
As you might expect, there are quite few suspension gurus in the land Valentino Rossi, but none will touch Vintage components, neither am i sure i could pay their rates, even if they did.
In any case, the stock 500 forks I am running right now dont have bushes whatsoever, so cant see how the hard anodizing/polishing process could work, there is no possibility to cancel the free play in them. I guess the post 72' forks have the same problem too.
so its back to what 35mm, twin bushes, forks to use. Ill start with an upgrade to yam 350's and then see.
TG